BHA backs short-term visa scheme

The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) has backed the possible introduction of a new short-term visa scheme.

The Government is looking into a scheme which would enable people aged between 18 and 30 to work and travel in Britain for two years, without sponsor or salary threshold requirements.

This would potentially allow hotels to plug the staffing gap left by Brexit and lockdowns.

According to the BHA there are currently around 700 chef vacancies, 400 housekeeping positions not filled and around 350 bar staff needed in the greater Bristol area.

UKHospitality says vacancies in the sector are still 48% higher than they were before the Covid-19 crisis.

Raphael Herzog, BHA chair, said: “I understand that the Home Office is having discussions with a number of EU countries which could become part of the youth mobility scheme. Anything which can help us with recruiting the staff we need to get our businesses fully up and running again is welcome and will make such a difference.

“We would also like the visa scheme to go beyond the EU, and be extended to the likes of India, as well as extend the roles it would apply to where we are currently experiencing shortages.”

He added: “Hospitality has traditionally had a large transient workforce, with young people in particular taking roles as a short-term way to earn money while they consider their long-term opportunities.

“While the short-term visa scheme may well help ease our current recruitment crisis, it will maintain the transient, temporary nature of our workforce, whereas we would also like to see more support to promote permanent positions in our vibrant and exciting sector.”

Despite this, the Home Office is also considering increasing the immigration health surcharge and the application fee for skilled worker visas.

The BHA believes that this will deter people from pursuing permanent careers in hospitality.